The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has made significant strides in waste management following the Bhogi celebration, a festival marked by bonfires, collecting an impressive 48 tonnes of waste. The Madhavaram zone led with 7.04 tonnes, encompassing 800 kg of clothes, 140 kg of tyres, 4 tonnes of plastics, and 2 tonnes of miscellaneous waste.
Royapuram zone followed, gathering 4.74 tonnes, including 1.28 tonnes of clothes, 860 kg of tyres, 1.35 tonnes of plastics, and 1.26 tonnes of other materials. This extensive waste collection initiative aimed at reducing pollution spanned various residential areas in zones like Tondiarpet, Tiruvottiyur, Kodambakkam, Teynampet, Perungudi, and Sholinganallur.
The GCC also imposed fines totaling ₹31,400 on 314 residents who engaged in waste burning. In addition, awareness initiatives were conducted in 419 schools, sensitizing over 5.5 lakh students about the environmental impact of open burning. GCC’s concerted efforts align with broader goals of waste reduction and environmental conservation.